UWC Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Catastrophe

Twenty-five years ago this month, the worst nuclear disaster in history occurred at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, causing irreparable harm and tragic human, natural and economic losses to Ukraine and its people.

Horrified by this terrible event, the Ukrainian diaspora immediately began organizing aid for the disaster victims, primarily by providing for their medical treatment through the supply of medicines and equipment. It also kept the international community informed of the events surrounding the accident as they unfolded.

The explosion that occurred in the fourth reactor of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 26, 1986, was a result of the reckless dominance by the communist authorities over Ukraine and their wanton disregard for one of the most dangerous forms of modern energy and, thus, for Ukraine’s future. In an attempt to cover up this terrible tragedy, the communist regime committed another crime when it exposed hundreds of thousands of innocent Ukrainian civilians to radiation, particularly during the May Day parade.

Ukraine inherited from the totalitarian communist regime the grim and lasting legacy of this nuclear catastrophe, whose destructive power transcended all borders. The efforts to deal with the aftermath of Chornobyl and the far‑reaching effects of the disaster exceed the abilities of any one country and call for the cooperation of the entire international community. Therefore, the Ukrainian World Congress calls on the international community to join together to address the consequences of the Chornobyl catastrophe.

“On the 25th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the Ukrainian World Congressalso calls on Ukrainian Churches throughout the world to hold memorial services and on Ukrainians to pray for Ukraine and its future, and for those who sacrificed their lives trying to contain the danger.In addition, the Ukrainian World Congress wishes to voice its solidarity and support for the people of Japan who continue their battle against the ongoing effects of the disaster at the Fukushima-1 Nuclear Power Plant,” said Ukrainian World Congress President Eugene Czolij.